A study published in the July edition of the Journal of Neurosurgery suggests that Clazosentan can reduce the number and severity of cases of
A study published in the July edition of the Journal of Neurosurgery suggests that Clazosentan can reduce the number and severity of cases of constriction of blood vessels (called vasospasm) following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).
Normally constriction of blood vessels occurs approx. 5-14 days following a SAH and this leads to strokes and neurological deficits. This can cause not only significant disability but is also a major cause of death.Patients on the drug also develop fewer cerebral infarcts. Dr Peter Vajkoczy, Neurosurgeon at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Mannheim, and the main author of the study comments: "While our understanding of cerebral vasospasm has continued to improve, a solution to this challenge is yet to be found. However, these results are certainly promising and it is important that these findings are assessed and confirmed in a larger population to identify how clazosentan may have an impact in clinical practice."
Dr Neal Kassell, Professor and Co-chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Virginia comments: "It is encouraging to finally, after nearly one-half century of futile investigations, be able to introduce into clinical trials an agent that, based on experimental studies, has a real potential for preventing vasospasm and, based on preliminary clinical studies, appears to be without significant side effects (including hypotension), as well as exhibiting a suggestion of efficacy."
Over a quarter of people die within the first week following an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage without treatment. Re-bleeding occurs in 50% of the aneurysms within the first six months, and about half of patients die after a rebleed and a further 20% become disabled.
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